Next Up for Vintage Mall’s Makeover: Apartments

Earlier this year, Austin’s first suburban shopping mall closed its doors after 46 years of existence. The retail center is going through a redevelopment process under the new ownership of Austin Community College.

Highland Mall

Earlier this year, Austin’s first suburban shopping mall closed its doors after 46 years of existence. Highland Mall is going through redevelopment under the new ownership of Austin Community College.

The college district acquired Highland Mall in 2012 and has since transformed a former JC Penney store into a 214,000-square-foot campus that opened in 2014. The next phase consists of adding a residential component, reports the Austin American-Statesman. ACC and its partner, RedLeaf Properties, plan a 300-unit community of four- and five-story buildings that are scheduled to open in 2017.

The development will be located on the south side of the property and will include about 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space and a parking garage. Greystar Real Estate Partners was selected as the developer, the American-Statesman reported. Amenities will include bike storage rooms and several eco-friendly features, including energy-efficient appliances and windows and instant hot water.